Normal life remains disrupted for 75th day in Kashmir

Life across Kashmir Valley remained suspended on 75th consecutive day with all shops and business establishments remaining closed to protest against the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A and bifurcation of State of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories (UT’s).

Ahead of Friday congregational prayers authorities re-imposed restrictions under section 144 in down town parts where forces personnel were deployed in strength to maintain law and order situation. However pre-paid mobile facility, internet and rail services are yet to resume.

According to newsagency Kashmir News Service (KNS), authorities re-imposed restriction under section 144 in down town parts of Srinagar and other areas ahead of Friday congregational prayers.

As per reports, authorities on Friday morning deployed heavy contingent of forces in down town areas especially Nowhatta to maintain law and order situation.

Eye witnesses told KNS that all roads leading to Jamai Masjid were sealed by forces, besides barricades and concertina wire were put in place to stop movement of people.

They added that despite people of the adjoining areas tried to step inside Jamia Masjid but forces didn’t allow them and pushed the locality into interior areas. However historical Jamia Masjid was sealed again on 10th week where call of prayers could not reverberate.

Reports said that on Friday, the normal life across Kashmir Valley remained suspended. All shops and business establishments remained closed for whole day while thin movement of private traffic was witnessed. They added that in parts of North and South Kashmir, situation was different in comparison to previous days. In Southern parts of Kashmir Valley, the recent killings of outsiders have affected the ground situation where fear was visible. All shops and business units remained closed and traffic was off the roads there.

It is pertinent to mention here that on August 5, 2019 New Delhi took away special status of Jammu and Kashmir and divided it into two Union Territories (UT’s) after which people observe spontaneous shutdown against the move.

The report said that the prepaid mobile facility and internet services are yet to restore in Kashmir Valley. Though authorities on Monday resumed post-paid mobile services after 72 days but having apprehension of threat across the border, they are tight lipped about resumption of pre-paid and internet facilities. However train services across Kashmir continued to remain suspended for the 75th day. (KNS)